Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval - Haute-Savoie - Grand-Massif

Nestled below towering mountains at the head of the Haute Giffre valley, the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a wonderfully unspoilt year round resort known for its rich cultural heritage and unique architecture. The village acts as a gateway to the huge nature reserve in which it resides, an area well known for its outstanding natural beauty. Sixt is just 6km / 8 minutes drive from Samoens, or alternatively a gentle and very scenic cycle or walk following the Giffre river as it tumbles it way down the valley through the impressive Gorge des Tines.

The name « Cirque de Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval » comes from the shape of the natural amphitheatre, which from above looks like a horseshoe. Located in the Natural Reserve of Sixt, the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, classified a Grand Site de France, is a favoured destination for 500,000 visitors each year.

Also officially recognised as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', the village is based around a beautiful former 12th-century Abbey with the glacial river Giffre splitting the village in two.

The abundant nature around Sixt and the valley attracts and inspires:

Many directors chose to settle in the valley. One of the latest is none other than Clint Eastwood (his movie "Hereafter" was shot in the Mont-Blanc Massif). French producer and director Gilles Legrand, who settled in St-Gervais, shot his first two films "Malabar Princess" and "La jeune fille et les loups" ("The girl and the wolves") in Sixt. He has sung the valley's praises. Several movies shot in Sixt include :

As a year round, working village, Sixt offers a good range of of local amenities providing everything you could need including a boulangerie, small supermarket, shops, several bars/cafes, and a selection of restaurants.

Restaurant Auberge de la Feuille d'ErableA firm valley favourite and well-known for its warm welcome and tasty local dishes. Located in the centre of Sixt.

Restaurant Le RouetConveniently located at the foot of Sixt's very own ski resort, it boasts an excellent sunny terrace with stunning views over the slopes and mountains.

Restaurant Auberge de la Cascade du RougetOffering a varied, good value menu with a stunning terrace overlooking the impressive Cascade du Rouget waterfall, just 3km from Sixt. Only open in summer.

Cultural and sports events Programme

All year round, Sixt offers a large programme of cultural and sports events : various competitions, festivals, shows, exhibitions, traditional festivals... so many good reasons to visit and come back to Sixt.

Located at Place de la Gare, the media centre, is part of the town hall. It hosts the Post Office, the newspaper kiosk and the multimedia library, as well as a computer station with an internet access, all at your disposal.

Cultural activities are also available.

School term opening hours :

Open Mondays to Saturdays mornings from 8:15 am to 11:45 am and on Wednesdays and Fridays afternoons from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

School holidays / half-term opening hours :

Open Mondays to Saturdays mornings from 8:15 am to 11:45 am and Mondays to Fridays afternoons from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Ski Area Information Winter 2018/19 : 22/12/18 - 15/03/19.

Sixt boasts its very own ski area which is perfect for beginners and families wanting a hassle free stay. With an excellent nursery area, there is a lot of exploring to be done with stunning backdrops! Add to that some excellent ski touring and off-piste potential plus quiet, quiet slopes! There really is something for everyone. For those just starting out skiing, and for people with younger kids, or who are a little nervous on the slopes, it's ideal. Those looking to rack up even more piste miles will be pleased to know that the Sixt ski area forms part of the extensive Grand Massif network with the Cascade piste (the longest blue piste in the world!) descending 14km from Flaine to Sixt. A regular bus service links Sixt to the Grand Massif Express gondola in Samoens, providing an fast and efficient link into the Grand Massif ski area.

Those looking for non-ski activities are well catered for with cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, dog sledding and ice climbing all available.

Sixt is a year-round resort with spring, summer and autumn offering an almost endless array of activities. Alternatively a tranquil, beautiful location to simply relax and take in the views. The area has an almost unfair share of impressive waterfalls and the ‘Cascade du Rouget’ and incredible Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval should be on every to do list! The area is a hiking paradise offering everything from from gentle strolls along the Giffre river exploring the numerous sleepy hamlets, to all day hikes through the national park taking in towering peaks and hidden mountain lakes. Nestled in the mountains surroundings the village are many mountain refuges offering drinks, lunch, or even a bed for the night should it be required. Add to this mountain biking, white water rafting, via ferrata, rock climbing, pony trekking, local markets, plus a selection of small shops and mini-golf, and it’s easy to see why Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is such an impressive holiday location.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what our guests have had to say about staying in Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval -

We went to the playground, to the Cirque-du-fer-a-cheval, to the swimming pool in Samoens, lac bleu, watched the rafters, Giles did lots of cycling in the morning, I went for a run, had a glass of wine on the balcony in the evening...just a perfect stay! Monnickendam family, Le Bella Vista, August 2017

Tiffanie bakery has a lovely selection of bread and cakes, and also have quiche and other savoury for packed lunch if needed. The local Sherpa supermarche was enough for us to cook each evening... lots of local cheeses and meats in their deli. We hired our ski equipment from local Lionel sports in Sixt. Skiing in Sixt feels a bit wilder and amazing views! Viveier Family, Le Bella Vista, February 2018

Properties located in Sixt available for rental through Alps Accommodation :

Property of the Month!

"Good selection of self catering properties in Samoëns. Good communication with prompt responses to any questions. Very accommodating when we wanted to check in early. Will be using again!" Kirsten Putley, Chalet Chamoissiere, March 2019

"Alps Accommodation are a great company to book a holiday with. The website is easy to use and they have a good choice of accommodation on offer. They respond to emails really quickly and are always friendly and helpful. They provide loads of information and the arrival and departure process was seamless. The quality of our accommodation was really high and we would not hesitate to use them again. In fact we have already booked two more holidays with them!" Alison Smith, La Cabine, February 2019

"Big thanks for an ace stay! The chalet was beautiful and very welcoming on a return from the slopes each day. Tim (the property manager) was great at answering any questions and the 20% discount on the ski passes was a real bonus! We will definitely return, hopefully with a few more in the group next time!" Giles Family, Apartment Bois de Lune 3, January 2019

"This is our second stay here (Chalet L'Orlaya), this time a winter visit. Fantastic skiing and beautiful walks. We love this area and are looking forward to returning again in the Spring." Parker Family, No. 1 Chalet L'Orlaya, January 2019

"Another lovely stay in your wonderful chalet. Samoens is magical at Christmas time. Being here is like home from home, we've all had a great time skiing, hot tubbing, eating and drinking, and playing games! Quality family time! Thank you again, and hope to be back soon - maybe summer next time, for a change!" The Addison Family, Apartment Biollet, Christmas 2018

"The accommodation was perfect for our requirements and is situated in a idyllic yet central location. The welcome basket was very much appreciated, and the property managers extremely helpful, responding quickly to any queries. Thank you for such a lovely holiday, we hope to visit again and would definitely recommend." Parkes family, Chalet Toubkal, August 2018

"We stayed at Chalet Taylor which was recently renovated, everything was fabulous; the chalet, the location, hot tub, fireplace, kitchen, beds, nothing to complain! We are a family of four including two young kids, and prefer to spend Christmas holidays in either Samoens or Morillon. We always use Alps Accommodation's services, it is always great!"Ozsunar Family, Chalet Taylor, Christmas 2018

"Fantastic room, hospitality and food. I've tried hundreds of chalets and here is about the best!" John Hill, Editor, The Good Ski Guide, Chalet Moccand.